Qualitative response of lettuce grown in aerated water of Palic Lake

Abstract

Increasing need among human population for fresh vegetables has generated numerous investigations related to growing alternatives. This research aimed at evaluation of possibility to grow plants on treated wastewater. The growth of Lactuca sativa (lettuce) was tested in laboratory conditions, using treated communal and industrial wastewater inflowing from Subotica town into Palic Lake. This water is loaded with organic matter, and as such suitable for plant growth, containing plant nutrients phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon. The objective was to assess the safety of examined lettuce for human consumption applying controlled conditions, among which most importantly-water aeration. The water used in the experiment contained human pathogens, which were found on the plant samples at the end of the examination period. Total coliform count was analyzed using 3M Petri film test at the beginning of the experiment and at the end of growing period of 30 days. Results of the experiment indicated that lettuce could be used in ecoremediation technologies for water quality improvement (biomass has increased for 120%), but considering the presence of human pathogens in it, this lettuce would be a risk for human health.